For BMW the game changer would be solid state batteries in their electric car development efforts. A solid state battery uses solid electrolytes which are more heat resistant and provide a higher energy density compared to the liquid polymer electrolytes in today's rechargeable batteries. Besides BMW, most all major car manufacturers are looking into developing solid state battery types for their EV. BMW's EV effort has produced hybrids of the iPerformance series, namely the i8 Sport and i3 hatchback. For full electrification, BWM is developing cars that could use solid state batteries.
One of the most important advantages of solid state batteries is the recharging time. Typically today's Li-ion batteries, like on Tesla models, charge fastest on a supercharger and not a 240V~80A home outlet @ 17.2 kW maximum power. A supercharger provides 480V~300A L3 DC charging @ 140 kW maximum power. A supercharger can charge up to a range of 80% of a battery before using trickle charge, so for a 100 kWh battery (315 miles) that would be 80 kWh in 34 minutes. With solid state batteries supercharged with similar electrical specs, it only takes 60 seconds for a range of 500 miles a claim made by EV maker Fisker. They are calling it "superior energy density solid-state", and if this beats Tesla's supercharging then Li-ion batteries will be a dinosaur very soon.
Note: Charging estimates were calculated at 100% efficiency. Normally nothing in this world is 100% efficient, there is usually a resistance of between 10-30% as more charging cycles occur and battery degrades.
Wow I love this. Super fast charge